Radiological Evaluation of the Effect of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux on the Thickness of Inferior Turbinate, Maxillary Sinus Mucosa and Nasal Septal Body.

Background: We investigated the relationship between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and maxillary sinus mucosal thickness (MSMT), inferior turbinate mucosal thickness (ITMT), inferior turbinate width (ITW) and nasal septal body thickness (NSBT), which can be signs of chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Methods: The study, which included 87 patients, was designed as two groups. While 42 of the patients were included in the Laryngopharyngeal Reflux group, 45 were included in the control group. Age and gender information of the patients were noted. MSMT, ITMT, ITW and NSBT values were measured in patients who had Paranasal Sinus Computed Tomography. MSMT, ITMT and ITW were measured as right and left. Both groups were evaluated in terms of these values. Results: Right ITMT, bilateral ITW and MSMT values were found to be significantly higher in the LPR group than in the control group (p < 0.05). MSMT values were higher in males (p < 0.05). The left-ITT and NSBT values were not significantly different between the LPR group and the control group, but both values were higher in the LPR group than in the control group (p > 0.05). In the LPR group, there were positive correlations between ITMT and ITW values of the right side; and left side separately (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It has been shown that Laryngopharyngeal Reflux increases maxillary sinus mucosal thickness, inferior turbinate thickness and width, and nasal septal body thickness, which can be signs of chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis. The negative effects of LPR on nasal and paranasal mucosa and structures were demonstrated in this study.

Role of Microplastics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and microplastics. METHODS: A total of 80 patients participated in this prospectively planned study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 had 50 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, whereas Group 2 had 30 healthy volunteers. The age and gender of the participants were noted. Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire was applied to the patients. The patients performed nasal lavage with saline. Microplastics were examined in the collected nasal lavage fluids, and their numbers were noted. The groups were compared on these values. RESULTS: The mean age was 38.06 ± 14.15 years in the chronic rhinosinusitis group without nasal polyps and 33.60 ± 11.68 years in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. There was a significant difference in the number of microplastics between the chronic rhinosinusitis group without nasal polyps and the control group (p < 0.001). Microplastics were detected in all participants. CONCLUSIONS: We found more microplastics in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. According to this result, we can say that there may be a relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis and microplastics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1077-1080, 2024.

Evaluation of Clinical Features and Olfactory Functions in COVID-19: A Multicentre Study.

Introduction Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes olfactory loss one of the initial diagnostic criteria. The brief smell identification test (BSIT) is an objective test frequently used in olfactory dysfunction. This study aimed to observe the changes in olfactory functions and clinical features in a short time in COVID-19. Methods In this prospective study involving 64 patients, the BSIT was performed at two different times; at the time of first application and on the 14th day. Demographic features, laboratory findings, body mass index (BMI), blood oxygen saturation values (SpO2), complaints at first admission, fever, follow-up place, and treatment schemes were noted. Results There was a significant difference between the BSIT scores at the first admission and when the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) became negative on the 14th day (p<0.001). Low oxygen saturation values at first admission were associated with low BSIT scores. No relationship was found between olfactory functions and complaints at admission, fever, follow-up place, and treatment schemes. Conclusion As a result, negative effects of COVID-19 on olfactory functions have been demonstrated even in the short follow-up period. In addition, low saturation values at first admission were associated with low BSIT scores.

Detection of microplastics in patients with allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between microplastics, which are a worldwide health and environmental issue, and their relationship to allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 patients participated in this prospective study. The patients were divided into two groups. While there were 36 patients with allergic rhinitis in group 1, there were 30 healthy volunteers in group 2. The participants' age, gender and Score for Allergic Rhinitis results were noted. Microplastics were examined in the nasal lavage fluids of the patients and their numbers noted. The groups were compared on these values. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. There was a significant difference between the allergic rhinitis group and the control group in terms of the Score for Allergic Rhinitis results (p < 0.001). In the allergic rhinitis group, the microplastic density in the nasal lavage was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.027). Microplastics were detected in all participants. CONCLUSIONS: We found more microplastics in allergic rhinitis patients. According to this result, we can say that there is a relationship between allergic rhinitis and microplastics.

Pronator quadratus musculo-osseous free flap for wide hard palatal defect reconstruction: An anatomical study.

Wide hard palate defects include congenital and acquired defects that are six square centimeters or larger in size. Obturator prostheses and autologous soft tissue transfers have been used to reconstruct palatal defects. This study aims to repair wide, hard palatal defects by using a pronator quadratus musculo-osseous free flap to achieve subtotal reconstruction. Seventeen formalin-fixed cadavers were dissected. Free musculo-osseous pronator quadratus flaps were prepared after a 12 cm curvilinear volar skin incision. Standard 30 × 23 mm (690 ± 52.12 mm2) hard palate defects were made by chisels and saws. A subcutaneous tunnel was created between the mandibular edge cross point of the facial vessels and the retromolar trigone through the subcutaneous to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system by dissection. Area measurements of the pedicle and palate defects were performed by the ImageJ program (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) on drawings over an acetate layer of materials. Mandibular distances of gonion-facial vessel cross point (a), gonion-gnathion (m), and facial vessels' cross point-retromolar entrance point (h) were measured. Ratios of h/m and a/m were calculated. The mean pronator quadratus area was 2349.39 ± 444.05 mm2, and the arterial pedicle pronator quadratus diameter was 2.32 ± 0.34 mm. The mean pedicle length of the pronator quadratus was 117.13 ± 8.10 mm. Study results showed that musculo-osseous pronator quadratus flaps' bone and muscle parts perfectly fit on the defects in all cadavers. Pronator quadratus musculo-osseous flap is a feasible surgical option for wide, hard palatal defect reconstruction strategies.

Topographical Anatomy of the Superficial Temporal Artery.

AIM: To describe in detail the gross anatomy of the superficial temporal artery (STA), its course and branches, its relationships with the branches of the facial nerve, and certain anatomical and surgical landmarks to preserve these structures in daily neurosurgical practice, and to use the STA during revascularization surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cadaveric study was conducted on 16 cadaver heads bilaterally, in which 32 silicon/latex-injected STAs were dissected using a microdissection technique in a neuroanatomy laboratory. The distances between the facial nerve, tragus, STA, superficial temporal vein (STV), and imaginary lines created between important anatomical landmarks were measured. The curvilinear lengths of STA and STV were also measured. RESULTS: The average distances of the most posteriorly located branch of the facial nerve to the frontal region and the tragus at the midpoint of zygoma in the horizontal plane, at the superior border of the zygoma and at the level of the superior border of the parotid gland, were measured as 25.39, 29.84, and 15.56 mm, respectively. The average distance directly measured between the tragus and STA was 39.29 mm, and that between the tragus and STV was 20.26 mm. The average curvilinear lengths of the frontal and parietal branches of STA were 97.63 and 96.45 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Understanding the clinical anatomy of the STA and its branches and its relationships with other structures is of critical importance for a successful and noncomplicated surgery. Our findings will be useful not only for surgical approaches such as pterional craniotomy and orbitozygomatic approaches but also for cerebral revascularization.

Neurovascular anatomy of pronator quadratus for reanimation of blepharoptosis.

PURPOSE: Pronator quadratus (PQ) is a quadrilateral muscle on a volar distal side of the forearm. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel surgical technique for reanimation of the upper eyelid for severe ptosis using PQ functional free muscle flap. METHODS: The current study is a cadaveric study, designed to assess a PQ free flap transfer that lies between the frontalis muscle and the upper eyelid. Fourteen PQ from fourteen embalmed cadavers were dissected, and their neurovascular pedicles were isolated. Then they were transferred to the area on the contralateral side between the frontalis muscle and upper eyelid tarsal cartilage. Measurements of the PQ flap, antebrachial region, orbitofrontal region, recipient vessels, and motor nerve were performed using a caliper. The extendibility of neurovascular pedicles was evaluated by measurements of lengths. In addition, the diameter of PQ flap vascular pedicle vessels was compared with recipient vessels. RESULTS: The mean width of the proximal border of PQ was 41.92 ± 2.05 mm and the distal border of the PQ was 42.84 ± 4.04 mm. The mean PQ artery (type II, Mathes-Nahai flap classification) length was found to be 117.72 ± 7.77 mm. The mean diameter of the anterior interosseous nerve was 1.89 ± 0.08 mm. The mean diameter of the uppermost branch of the frontal branch of the facial nerve was 1.18 ± 0.25 mm. The length and diameter of neurovascular pedicles of muscle flaps were adequate for microvascular anastomoses and neurorrhaphy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this anatomical study demonstrate that the PQ free flap transfer has anatomical features that are suitable and compatible with the surgical treatment of blepharoptosis.

Surgical anatomy of the transcanal infracochlear approach.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to describe the detailed surgical anatomy of the infracochlear approach to prevent complications and to compare the postauricular transcanal microscopic and endoscopic approaches to reach the petrous apex. METHODS: Cadaver heads were dissected using a binocular surgical microscope, endoscopes, and an electric drill. The dimensions of the access field that could be reached and manipulated with surgical instruments and straight drill via postauricular transcanal microscopic and endoscopic approaches were evaluated. RESULTS: Both postauricular microscopic and transcanal endoscopic approaches were considered to be inapplicable in cases with a tympanic cavity located jugular bulb closer than 3 mm to the cochlea. This relationship was seen in 3 (9%) sides of the cadavers. In 4 specimens (12%), a cochlear aqueduct with an open lumen was detected. Both postauricular microscopic and transcanal endoscopic approaches reached a nearly identic dissection area. Detailed anatomy of the approach and measurements about the topography of the third portion of the facial nerve from the tympanic cavity were presented. CONCLUSION: Both traditional microscopic postauricular and endoscopic transcanal approaches provided comparable access areas to the inferior petrous apex with wide exposure, and radiologic measurements were compatible. A tympanic cavity located jugular bulb in close relation with cochlea was the only instance that restricted the applicability of this technique.

Clinical evaluation of the vestibular impairment using video head impulse test In children with acute otitis media.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the vestibular impairment in children with acute otitis media (AOM) and dizziness by using video head impulse test (vHIT) and to compare their results with healthy children. METHODS: The study included two groups of subjects. The patient group consisted of 34 pediatric patients with AOM and dizziness and the control group consisted of 35 healthy children, age between 4 and 15. The age, gender, mean vHIT gains and gain asymmetry values were compared between groups for each canal. In both groups, mean vHIT gains were compared between the right and left sides. Additionally, mean vHIT gains and the presence of saccades according to AOM stages were analyzed. RESULTS: The comparison of vHIT gains between affected and unaffected sides in patients revealed a significant decrease only in the anterior canal plane on the affected side. Covert saccades were observed in 32% of the patients. When comparing the AOM stages and the presence of saccades in patients, no difference was detected between stages. CONCLUSION: vHIT is a useful vestibular test for the evaluation of vestibular impairment in children with an applicability rate of 92% in healthy children and 70% in patients with AOM and dizziness. The patients with AOM and dizziness are presented with a decrease in vHIT gains and the presence of cover saccades only in vertical canal planes, supporting that slight vestibular impairment in these patients may represent pathologic vHIT results only in vertical canal planes.

Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty: analyzing the technique based on anatomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the different surgical techniques of expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) on the dimensions of the oropharyngeal airway. METHODS: The techniques that were evaluated included the preservation and transection of the palatopharyngeus (PP) and superior pharyngeal constrictor (SPC) muscle attachment and transposition of the PP muscle to the hamulus of the medial pterygoid plate and the palatal musculature. Surgical techniques were applied in twenty half heads. RESULTS: The preservation of the PP-SPC attachment inhibited the transposition of the PP muscle to the hamulus and resulted in comparable enlargement in the medial-lateral dimension in the oropharyngeal airway when the PP muscle was transposed to the palatal musculature. After transection of the PP-SPC attachment, significant enlargement was observed in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions in the oropharyngeal airway when the PP muscle was transposed both to the hamulus and the palatal musculature. The distances measured after both the transposition techniques were similar. CONCLUSION: The present study is a basic study demonstrating how different techniques of ESP affect the position of the soft palate. The PP-SPC attachment can be transected in the patients with anterior-posterior palatal and lateral wall collapse to pull the soft palate anteriorly in addition to prevent the lateral wall collapse. The PP-SPC attachment can be preserved in the patients with only lateral wall collapse. Nevertheless, the clinical consequences of these static changes need to be evaluated in clinical studies.

Voice and Quality-of-Life Outcomes of Diode Laser for Tis-T1a Glottic Cancer.

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the voice and quality-of-life outcomes of microscopic diode laser surgery (MDLS). The study was conducted on a series of 46 patients with Tis-T1a glottic carcinoma treated with microscopic endolaryngeal diode laser surgery. Patients were asked to complete the Voice Handicap Index and quality-of-life questionnaires of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. When comparing the pre- and postoperative scores, there were significant difference on the physical scores (P = .014) of the patients who underwent type III cordectomy and functional (P = .022), emotional (P = .002), and overall scores (P = .005) of the patients who underwent type IV cordectomy, in the direction of better quality of voice after MDLS. The postoperative functional, physical, emotional, and overall scores of groups were significantly increased with the extension of resection.

Video head impulse test in children with otitis media with effusion and dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the vestibular impairment in children with otitis media with effusion (OME) and dizziness by using vHIT test, and to compare their results with healthy children. METHODS: The study population consisted of 30 pediatric patients with OME and dizziness and 30 healthy children, age between 4 and 15. Otoscopic and tympanometric examination and vHIT testing were performed to all subjects. vHIT test parameters were compared between pediatric patients with OME and dizziness and healthy children. Additionally, the differences of the mean vHIT gains between tympanogram types, otoscopic findings and the presence of saccades were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean vHIT gains and gain asymmetry values of patients with OME and dizziness and healthy children were comparable. No significant difference was observed between the mean vHIT gains of patients with type B and type C2 tympanogram. Covert saccades were observed in 57% of the patients with OME and dizziness. None of the patients had over saccades and none of the healthy children had saccades. CONCLUSION: Our study is a preliminary study analyzing the vestibular impairment in children with OME and dizziness using vHIT test. Based on our results, it can be assumed that the children with OME and dizziness usually don't have a great vestibular impairment that can be detected with vHIT test. The covert saccades detected in this patient group are accepted as a sign of slight vestibular impairment.

Jugular Bulb Anatomy for Lateral Skull Base Approaches.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to define the detailed anatomical relations of the jugular bulb with the facial nerve, sigmoid sinus, otic capsule, and internal acoustic canal allowing the safe management of the jugular bulb. METHODS: Thirty-five formalin-perfused cadaveric temporal bones that had well mastoid and petrous pneumatization without any neurovascular variations on computed tomography scan were selected for the study. The bones were dissected via translabyrinthine approach. RESULTS: The dome of the jugular bulb was located under the facial nerve in 21 of the cases (60%), in the mastoid cavity in 8 of the cases (22.9%), and in the tympanic cavity in 6 of the cases (17.1%). Significant difference was observed only between the temporal bones in which the dome of the jugular bulb was located in the mastoid cavity and under the facial nerve with regard to the mastoid cortex-lateral semicircular canal measurement (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Because of the high variability of the position of the dome of the jugular bulb, the precise knowledge of the relations of the jugular bulb and the preoperative radiologic verification of possible variations are essential to avoid the problems associated with its position and to decide the approach individually.

Swallowing and Aspiration: How Much Is Affected by the Number of Arytenoid Cartilages Remaining After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the presence of one or two arytenoids on early/late period swallowing-aspiration functions. METHODS: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer between 2012 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were categorized into two groups as follows: group I, patients who underwent SCPL with one arytenoid cartilage and group II, patients who underwent SCPL with two arytenoid cartilages. The time of decannulation and oral feeding onset, and swallowing-aspiration functions were evaluated and compared in the early nutritional period, first, and third months. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between decannulation time and swallowing-aspiration. The aspiration rates in group I and group II were similar and there was no significant difference in oral feeding onset and aspiration grades in the first and third months between both groups. CONCLUSION: We found similar oncological and functional outcomes in SCPL which protected one or two arytenoid cartilages. Therefore we suggest to be performed one arytenoid cartilage SCPL in selected patients who was advance stage and tumor volume over with larynx cancer.

Long-Term Results of Partial Laryngectomized Patients.

AIM: This study was to present long-term oncological results, as well as the variables, that can increase nodal metastasis and reduce survival in patients diagnosed in the early and late stages of laryngeal cancer. METHODS: A total of 85 patients were included in the study. These patients were grouped as supracricoid partial laryngectomy (PL), supraglottic horizontal PL, and vertical frontolateral PL. Furthermore, at least 3 years of the long-term outcomes of the patients in these 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the patients (26%) had nodal metastasis, 16 (72%) of these patients were in Group I (P = 0.017); 14 patients (51%) had preepiglottic space (P = 0.075); 12 patients (50%) had paraglottic space involvement (P = 0.002); 9 (45%) patients with nodal metastasis had a depth of invasion more than 20 mm (P < 0.001). Out of the 16 patients who had positive intraoperative surgery margins, 5 (18%) of them had nodal metastasis (P = 0.589) and 14 (16%) patients were positive for perineural invasion, 3 (19%) of these patients had lymph node involvement (P = 0.074). One (5%) patient died with nodal metastasis. Median survival rate of all the patients was 44 ±â€Š0.836 (42.36-45.63) months and the overall survival rate was 92.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Paraglottic space involvement and tumor invasion depth were statistically effective on increased nodal metastasis. However, we suggest that depth of invasion may not be effective alone as a prognostic factor. In contrast to the known effect on overall survival was less lymph node.

Long-term effects of parotidectomy.

The present study investigated the long-term complications of parotidectomy, the differences in these complications in regard to the pathological diagnosis and type of surgery. The patients were questioned regarding the presence of facial paresis-paralysis, pain, loss of sensation, scarring, collapse, and mouth dryness in the area of operation. Complaints of pain (p = 0.287), scarring (p = 0.456), and mouth dryness (p = 0.136) did not show statistically significant differences between the cases with benign or malignant pathological outcomes. However, complaints of loss of sensation (p < 0.001), collapse in the area of operation (p = 0.025), paresis-paralysis (p < 0.001), and fear of repeated surgery (p = 0.032) were present at significantly higher rates. Complaints of pain (p = 0.258), scarring (p = 0.665), mouth dryness (p = 0.113) and fear of repeated surgery (p = 0.053) did not show statistically significant differences between the cases who underwent superficial or total parotidectomy. However, complaints of loss of sensation (p = 0.002), paresis (p < 0.001), and collapse in the area of operation (p = 0.019) were present at significantly higher rates. The type of tumor and surgical approach significantly affect the quality of life; however, parotidectomy generally does not lead to serious long-term complications that would disturb the patients.

Dermoscopic and clinical features of head and neck melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The dermoscopic criteria of extrafacial melanomas are well-known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of dermatoscopic findings in head and neck melanomas (HNM) and to assess the distinguishing dermoscopic criteria of facial and extrafacial melanoma. METHODS: This observational study included 108 patients with HNM (63% male, mean age 64 years). Participants underwent individual dermoscopic imaging of clinically melanoma. All lesions were excised, and histopathological examination was performed on all specimens. RESULTS: Drawing on histopathological analysis, lentigo maligna melanoma or lentigo maligna was diagnosed in 60 lesions, superficial spreading melanoma in 18, nodular in 10, desmoplastic in 8, superficial spreading melanoma in situ in 12. The most frequent location for head and neck melanoma was the cheek (60 patients, 55.6%). Eight prominent dermatoscopic features were observed in facial melanoma: annular-granular pattern (18%); rhomboidal structures (29%); pseudonetwork (29%); asymmetrical, pigmented, follicular openings (51%); obliterated hair follicles (8%); red rhomboidal structures (18%); increased density of the vascular network (32%); scar-like depigmentation (59%). CONCLUSIONS: HNM has specific dermoscopic features, and classical extrafacial dermoscopic rules are less useful for diagnosis of facial melanoma. In our study, further characteristic dermatoscopic findings were detected in facial melanoma such as low frequencies of irregular dots, 2 or fewer colors in lesions, the presence of pseudonetwork, increased density of the vascular network, red rhomboidal structures, in addition to dermatoscopic findings of extrafacial melanoma. Thus, it is concluded that the prediction and identification of HNM may be evident with the help of these signs.

Dermoscopic and clinical features of head and neck melanoma

AbstractBACKGROUND:The dermoscopic criteria of extrafacial melanomas are well-known.OBJECTIVE:To determine the frequency of dermatoscopic findings in head and neck melanomas (HNM) and to assess the distinguishing dermoscopic criteria of facial and extrafacial melanoma.METHODS:This observational study included 108 patients with HNM (63% male, mean age 64 years). Participants underwent individual dermoscopic imaging of clinically melanoma. All lesions were excised, and histopathological examination was performed on all specimens.RESULTS:Drawing on histopathological analysis, lentigo maligna melanoma or lentigo maligna was diagnosed in 60 lesions, superficial spreading melanoma in 18, nodular in 10, desmoplastic in 8, superficial spreading melanoma in situ in 12. The most frequent location for head and neck melanoma was the cheek (60 patients, 55.6%). Eight prominent dermatoscopic features were observed in facial melanoma: annular-granular pattern (18%); rhomboidal structures (29%); pseudonetwork (29%); asymmetrical, pigmented, follicular openings (51%); obliterated hair follicles (8%); red rhomboidal structures (18%); increased density of the vascular network (32%); scar-like depigmentation (59%).CONCLUSIONS:HNM has specific dermoscopic features, and classical extrafacial dermoscopic rules are less useful for diagnosis of facial melanoma. In our study, further characteristic dermatoscopic findings were detected in facial melanoma such as low frequencies of irregular dots, 2 or fewer colors in lesions, the presence of pseudonetwork, increased density of the vascular network, red rhomboidal structures, in addition to dermatoscopic findings of extrafacial melanoma. Thus, it is concluded that the prediction and identification of HNM may be evident with the help of these signs.